beth alfa

on the way to the Dead Sea we stopped at Beth Alfa. a synagogue that was hidden from sight for over 1200 years. it was discovered in 1929. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Alpha

the most interesting thing to me about the synagogue is that it dates from the 5th century when hellenization was sweeping the villages of israel.  

and notably the floor of the synagogue was decorated with a mosaic featuring the roman sign of the zodiac, with the sun god in the center. 

why on earth would a synagogue decorate their space with the sign of a zodiac? i'll let you google it. 

in the meantime, here's some pictures. it's a cool spot.